Daily Yellowstone journal., 1887-01-01

49,
was 20, with q heart that had just
learned to throb like the heart Of i6
The scale Of fortune, we are told, ID
often turned by a feather, and this propo-
sition was very forcibly demonstrated
for Marie Prot, ono windy autumn
evening, not long afterwards, as the lit
tie choir group came into the street to-
gether. She was walking with Lucy
| Crumm. as usual, and behind them,
arm-in-arm, came the bass and tenor
| Niiss Roberts, the alto, had said good
night and gone oil in the opposite direc-
ton with her little brother); Miss Prot
was listening with her ears o. the voice
beside her, and with her soul to the
voice behind her. when suddenly away
on the wings OF the wind went her long
brown feather, wrenched from its
fastenings on her jaunty hat; away and
away, careerins and whirling out OF
sight like a living creature that had
found all at once the freedom OF its
wings. Marie uttered "a little half
laughing cry, and started ON the chase;
but the tenor darted by her like a flash,
and soon distanced her, as the feather
distanced him. Marie did not slacken
her pace, however, and as a result, when
the feather was at last captured, they
found themselves face to face, laughing,
breathless, under a street-lamp, and
more than a block ahead of Mr.. Aiken
and Miss Crumm. What more natural
than that they should walk on together,
slowly, or that Mr.. Wetzel, seeing her
u of breath from her late exercise,
should offer her his arm? There seemed
no valid reason why they should dis
solve this pleasant companionship when
the other two caught up with them; and
from this time, instead Of putting the
ladies in the street car at Twenty-third
street, Mr.. Aiken walked with Miss
street. and Mr.. Wetzel walked all the
way across town with Marie Prot.
1t was a wretchei night: the rain fell
in torrents, a chilly wind was blowing,
the streets were wet and dismal, and
Marie Prot was walking under an UNI
brella with Gustave Wetzel and cling
ing fondly to his arm. The rain was
binding her somewhat, but her tears
were binding her still mo~re-furtive, Bit
ter tears, such as women often weep,
unknown to all the world. The crowded
street cars passed them ever minute or
two, but Marie had refused TO ride. This
was the last time they would ever walk
together-the last Of many, many times.
She could not afford to shorten these
few sad moments Of parting and fare
well. h had come TO the choir that
evening only to tell them that Tie had
been suddenly called back to Germany
and must sail in the morning; but he
had staid and sang over with Marie some
of the old duets, and now they were
walking home together, slowly, through
all the storm, by the way they had
learned to know 40 we'll.
AT first few words were spoken be.
tween them. Marie felt only the un.
reasoning love, the delight of contact,
the bliss Of this dual solitude ~encircled
by rain and storm and darkness. To
her il mattered little what they said OF
where they went. so that llny were to.
gether: and to- morrow WAS pushed as
far from her horizon as il it were
twenty years away. But all the truth
came back on her like a shock when
Gustaye's voice said:
Il must thank you, Miss Prot. for the
kindness you have given TO me always
to me, a stranger: | shall often think
of your lovely voice when | am far
away"
I'VE have indeed had pleasant times, 4"
she answered, bravely and clearly. after
a moments pause. But why need you
90 IL you have been-happy-here? All,
you-you have not many regrets. You
are glad. | thinki'
Indeed am glad" and glad his face
looked-excited and eager. 1T is a
grand opportunity now that offers. You
al understand, IL one has bcen~ planning
long, and waiting. that one might be
glad to see fulhllment near"
yes" said Marie. That one word only,
and IN her voice was the huskiness thai
comes with tears.
-Ah. well, | see my way now, clear
he continued, gayly and brightly. All
unconscious of the mute tragedy tina
went on beside him, he poured out tn,
story Of his disappointments in the pas
of his plans and visions for the future
Marie listened silently. II seemed eacl
moment that the tide of her emotion
must burst all bonds and carry with j
the fine reserve of her nature, il
womanly dignity and pride. She calle'
up all her strength at last, in a desperate
effort.
Il must leave you here" she said, stop
ping suddenly at a corner. IL have
some business TO dol will say good
night and goodbye. l hope you may
have a pleasant journey"
But surely not! can not leave you
in this storm. Let me escort you wher,
you wish 10 go-so dark, and such
rain."
Il have my own umbrella here" She
raised IL as she spoke. Thank you
very. very much. but l prefer u
go alone. And you know" smiling
strangely at him, Il shall have to d
without your escort altogether afte
this. You have been more kind" Sh'
broke off suddenly, and busted hersel
with the fastening Of her cloak; ther
held out her hand. -Good-byel" she said
; abruptly.
Goodbye, Miss Prot, II it must be 81
If you wish it,"